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Breaking bulk, &c. before coming to the proper place, &c.
the master and mate forfeit 200l, each.
unless in distress, which must be proved.
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XII. And be it further enacted, That if after the arrival of any ship or vessel so laden with goods as aforesaid, and bound to this kingdom, either when within the limits of any of the ports of this kingdom, or within four leagues of the coast thereof, bulk shall be broken, or any part of the cargo of such ship or vessel, shall be unladen or unshipped with intention to be laid on land, or unshipped for any other purpose whatever, out of such ship or vessel as aforesaid, within the limits or distance aforesaid, before such ship or vessel shall come to the proper place for the discharge of her cargo or any part thereof, and shall be there duly authorized by the proper officer or officers of the revenue to unlade the same, the master or other person having or taking the charge or command of such ship or vessel, and the mate or other person next in command shall respectively forfeit the sum of two hundred pounds, except in case of unavoidable necessity and distress, of which necessity and distress the master or other person having or taking the charge or command of such ship or vessel, shall give notice to, and together with two or more of the mariners on board such ship or vessel shall make proof of upon oath before the collector or other chief officer of the port, within the limits of which such necessity or distress shall happen, or before the collector or other chief officer of the first port in this kingdom, within the limits of which such ship or vessel shall afterwards arrive, if the said necessity or distress shall have happened not within the limits of any port, but within four leagues of the coast of this kingdom, which oath the said collector or other chief officer is hereby authorized and required to administer.
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